Commissioners Back Free Access to Law Libraries

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, at their regularly-scheduled April Board Meeting, voted to show their support for continued free access to Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries.

In response to a proposal in the Governor's FY2004 budget to charge administrative fees, the Commissioners said,

"The Trial Court Law Libraries insure that all Massachusetts residents have access to the laws that govern them. Through the regional library systems, these specialized law libraries share their resources and expertise with the broader library community. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners believes that these libraries must remain free to the public and free to their resource sharing partners."

The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.

This Web site, and other programs of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, is funded in part with funds from theInstitute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning.